polyol: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “polyol” mean?
An organic compound containing multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An organic compound containing multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups.
A type of sugar alcohol used in food as a sweetener and humectant, and in industry as a component in polyurethane production.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant orthographic or pronunciation differences. Usage is identical across scientific and industrial contexts.
Connotations
Neutral chemical term in both regions.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “polyol” in a Sentence
[polyol] + [is used] + [as a sweetener][polyol] + [contains] + [multiple hydroxyl groups]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “polyol” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The polyol composition was analysed.
- Polyol-based foams are common.
American English
- The polyol content was tested.
- Polyol sweeteners are listed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in food manufacturing and chemical industry reports (e.g., 'The company increased its polyol production capacity.').
Academic
Common in biochemistry, food science, and polymer chemistry papers.
Everyday
Rarely used; might appear on food labels (e.g., 'Contains polyols. May have a laxative effect.').
Technical
Precise term in organic chemistry for compounds with multiple -OH groups, and in food technology for specific sweeteners.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “polyol”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “polyol”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “polyol”
- Misspelling as 'poliol' or 'polyole'.
- Using it as a countable noun without specifying which polyol (e.g., 'This product contains a polyol' is vague).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Polyols are sugar alcohols, which are chemically distinct from sugars. They are less sweet and have fewer calories.
Yes, they are generally recognised as safe (GRAS) but can cause digestive discomfort like bloating or laxative effects if consumed in large amounts.
They are primarily used as raw materials in the production of polyurethane foams, coatings, and adhesives.
Most polyols have a minimal effect on blood glucose and insulin levels, making them suitable for diabetic diets.
An organic compound containing multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups.
Polyol is usually technical/scientific in register.
Polyol: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɒlɪɒl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɑːliˌɔːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'POLY' (many) + 'OL' (like alcohol). A substance with many alcohol (-OH) groups.
Conceptual Metaphor
A chemical building block with multiple sticky (hydrophilic) points.
Practice
Quiz
In which industry are polyols NOT typically used?